Activity Assistant

Activity AssistantThe primary purpose of the Activity Assistant position is to assist in planning, organizing, developing and implementing the resident activity programs of the facility.Assist in planning, organizing and implementing group and individual activities based on residents' individual needs as identified in residents' health care plans.Assist in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family as directed by the Activity Director.Assist in maintaining a balance of recreational activities based on the particular demographics of the residents.Assist in coordination of activity schedules with other departments as necessary.Communicate residents' programs to residents, residents' families, volunteers, and facility staff.Decorates monthly bulletin boards indicating future activities, holiday themes, and/or picture review of past activities.Assists in transportation of residents within the facility from one area of activity to another.Participate in group activities to ensure maximum involvement by interested residents.Help read incoming mail, and address and post outgoing mail upon the resident's request.Arrange transportation for field trips as requested.Assist in making appointments for the residents as requested.Assist in scheduling movies, planning parties, and providing games/activities for residents.Encourage residents to participate in hobbies, crafts and other activities. Provide materials as necessary.Supervise activities as necessary in the absence of the Director and/or Assistant Director.Provide reading materials in various formats i.e., Braille, tapes, large print, etc. as necessary.Assist in providing library services for residents through cooperation with local library.Make routine visits to residents and perform assistance with crafts, projects, etc. as necessary.Assist in arranging for special events i.e., bazaars, picnics, birthdays, anniversaries as necessary.Assist bed bound residents by visiting them, writing letters, running errands, reading, etc.Perform clerical duties as assigned by Activity Director or Assistant Director.Perform daily, weekly and Monthly duties as described on attached Addendum.Assist the Activity Director in developing comprehensive assessments and progress notes of the activity needs of each resident.Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms that may signify a physical change in resident's condition that could require nursing intervention. Report changes to charge nurse and Activity Director.Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of care.Serve on, participate in, and/or attend various committees of the facility as requested by the Activity Director.Provide written and/or oral reports of the programs and activities as required by the committee.Assist the Activity Director in evaluating and implementing recommendations from established committees as they may relate to activity services.Assist the Activity Director in orienting new associates, activity personnel and/or volunteers to the activity department.Review and inventory activity supplies and equipment and recommend to the Activity Director the equipment and supply needs of the department.Assist in conducting periodic checks of equipment to assure that all equipment is in good working order.Check supply rooms to be sure that activity supplies are on hand to conduct scheduled activities.Ensure that appropriate cleaning supplies are on hand to perform necessary activity and departmental cleaning functions.Assist in the development of safety standards for the activity department.Monitor volunteers to assure they are following established safety and infection control regulations, policies and procedures.Ensure that department work areas are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner.Follow all facility infection control, communicable disease, isolation and hazardous conditions policies and procedures.Be sure that protective clothing/devices are on hand for handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.Knock before entering a resident's room.Ensure that all activity personnel are knowledgeable of the resident's right and responsibilities, including the right of refusal.Review complaints made by the resident and make a written/oral report to the Activity Director indicating what action/s were taken to resolve the complaint and the current status of the complaint.Participate in resident/group council meetings as requested and provide support services to such council.Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility.Moves intermittently during work hours.Is subject to frequent interruptions.Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances.Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Works on weekends and holidays when necessary.Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants.Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including TB, AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents' needs.Must possess, as a minimum, a High School Diploma or GED.Must have a minimum of six (6) months of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years preferably within a health care setting.Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.Must display professionalism both in appearance and attitude.Must possess the ability to solve problems and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.Must genuinely care for and understand the elderly and disabled.Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agency personnel and the general public.Must possess the ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.Must be able to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing activity services.Must have patience, tact, a positive disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult people.Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activities practices.Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.Must be able to move continuously throughout the workday.Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, families, personnel, and support agencies.Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which may include a medical and physical examination.Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 10 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 5 feet.May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.Sitting: 1-2 hour per 8-hour shift. Alternates frequently to standing and walking.Standing: 4-5 hours per 8-hour shift. Alternates frequently to walking and occasionally to sitting.Walking: 2-3 hours per 8 hour shift. Alternates frequently to standing and occasionally to sitting.Lifting: 1-10 lbs. Continuously11-20 lbs. Occasionally21-35 lbs. Rarely